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Release date 05/18/2009
YONKERS, NY — Negotiating for everything in a lousy economy is the new rule, according to the latest money publication from Consumer Reports titled “Rebuild Your Finances.” Paying the sticker price for a product or service may be paying too much. In fact, a new poll by Consumer Reports found that more than 66 percent of Americans have tried to negotiate for a better deal in the past six months.
CR’s nationally representative poll found that most consumers who asked for a discount were successful. Among those who haggled, 83 percent negotiated better deals on hotel rates, 81 percent reduced their cell phone bills, and 81 percent went home paying less for clothing.
Hagglers were also able to obtain better deals on other services: 79 percent scored lower prices on jewelry, 78 percent did better on new car purchases and on airfares, and 75 percent haggled for better prices on an appliance purchase.
While it may be a little harder to strike a deal, the poll found hagglers were almost as successful getting discounts on electronics (71%), furniture (71%), credit-card fees (62%) and medical bills (58%).
“Now is not the time to be shy. It may feel awkward to ask the salesperson for a discount, but it’s more important than ever to make the most of your money. Our poll shows there is a very good chance they won’t say no,” said Greg Daugherty, Consumer Reports executive editor.
Consumer Reports poll also found that only 28 percent of Americans say they always haggle or often haggle over prices. Constant hagglers of the past sixth months tended to be younger consumers—more than a third (37%) of those under the age of 35 always or often asked for discounts—significantly more than older shoppers.
Negotiating for everything is just one of the new money rules for a new economy thatConsumer Reports tackles in its Rebuild Your Finances special publication. The guide offers consumers more than 328 smart ways to boost savings, cut bills, secure their career, pay for college, and move ahead in the toughest economy of the past century.
Perfecting your approach can boost your haggling success rate. Consumer Reports Rebuild Your Finances special publication offers shoppers the following tips to improve their haggling skills:
For more information on haggling, the new money rules for today’s economy, how to spend less on practically anything, managing debt, improving credit scores, and recession-proofing your career, check outConsumer Reports Money Rebuild Your Finances special publication available on newsstands starting May 19 or visit the bookstore at www.ConsumerReports.org.
Consumer Reports Haggling Poll Methodology
The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,002 interviews were completed among adults aged 18+. Interviewing took place over April 30 to May 3, 2009. The margin of error is +/- 3.2% points at a 95% confidence level.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2009 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.